I saw 2 truckloads of new Tesla's yesterday (pic heavy) (Edited) [View all]

[A HERETIC I AM]

Some of you may remember I was a Car Hauler for a number of years, I was in the business when I joined DU back in '03 and with the exception of a short stint in another profession, hauled cars on open-rack transports for ten years. I've hauled my share of exotics, from a Lamborghini Diablo to a Ferrari F-50 and a few electrics over the years, but never a Tesla. I am seeing more and more of these on the road but this was the first time I have seen a truckload of them - two loads, in fact. I was on the return leg of a trip from Jacksonville to California when I saw these guys at a truck stop in Junction, TX about 110 miles West of downtown San Antonio.

I spoke with one of the drivers and he told me he picked them up at the plant in Fremont (the former NUMMI plant in the Bay Area) CA. and they were headed for San Antonio. I asked a few questions re: the load, such as why only 4 units on the trailer (that style trailer - sometimes called a "Quick loader" or "Flat top" is capable of carrying 7 smaller cars) and he said they were heavy! Averaging 5000 pounds, so they can't put too many on or they will be overweight, hence the 7 car load instead of a standard 9 unit consist.

I asked the driver where he delivers to since Tesla has no dealerships. (Edit here; Not in the traditional sense, but they do have "Stores" where you can take a test drive, some in warehouses or other similar buildings and others in shopping malls.) He told me that often it is a rented warehouse in a business district. He was fairly well impressed with the cars even though, as a car hauler, he doesn't really get to drive them very far - just from the parking bay at the plant to the truck load line and then off the truck to wherever the dealer wants them. Usually no more than a few hundred yards altogether. In my time hauling cars I've driven several thousand units less than a half mile each!

4 on the trailer, all driven on.... (LOVE that blue color!)
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and 3 on the tractor, one driven and two backed on.
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Just a few bucks rolling down the road! The undersides are a smooth piece of material - no moving parts visible at all. And of course, no exhaust system.
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This is the Monroney sticker of the white unit at the bottom, forward position in the pic above. The price says $139,950
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This is the Monroney for the blue unit behind the white one, on the bottom rear. Price is $92,200. Both have a base price of $70,000. Note at the top right where it says "Delivered to: it indicates Tesla Motors, Inc., Fremont, CA, which is the location of the plant! This makes sense since Elon Musk has eschewed the traditional dealer network and units are ordered online via their website. (Not meant to be an advertisement for them, I just thought including the link would be of interest)
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This guy pulled in a few minutes later with only six on board. He has a Cottrell "High Rail" trailer, so called because of the support uprights on either side. This design is also capable of carrying 7 units on the trailer. This guy did not have one behind the cab - only 2 on the 'head rack' - on the tractor. Also the unit on the top rear is obviously a Mercedes so he only had 5 Tesla's. The Benz could be a dealer trade or an auction unit or even a privately owned unit. I did not speak with the driver of this truck, as we had to get on down the road.

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As I said, I am seeing more and more of these vehicles on the road, but this was the first time I had seen them being transported, so I thought I would get some pics and share with you folks.

Cool, huh?